"It was my first season in the Spanish First Division," Torres told chelseafc.com. "Coloccini joined after we'd been promoted, having spent two seasons in the Second Division. He came on loan from Milan and was a very important player for us, it was a great experience to play alongside him.

"Milan then wanted to get him back and they did and next he went to Villarreal, but it was a good season for him. It was important for him to play at a club like Atletico when he was about 21. I was only 18 and we had a good friendship. I have always had a good relationship with Argentinian people and as an older player, he helped me a lot.

"I was surprised when he moved over here to England because nobody was talking about him but, in time, he has proved what a good player he is. He is trying to be one of the main players for Newcastle and they are doing very well so he deserves it."